Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant Paleo Lemon Pepper Chicken recipe! Featuring tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs infused with the zesty tang of fresh lemon juice and zest, a punch of garlic, and the bold heat of freshly ground black pepper, this dish is pure flavor perfection. The pan-seared technique guarantees golden, crispy edges, while a quick bake in the oven locks in all the juicy goodness. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this wholesome meal is naturally paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it an ideal choice for clean eating. Ready in just 40 minutes and perfect for four servings, this recipe is a delightful balance of simplicity and sophistication.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of the black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Set this lemon marinade aside.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Then, season them evenly on both sides with sea salt and the remaining black pepper.
Finely chop the garlic cloves and parsley. Set both aside separately.
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
Flip the chicken thighs over and add the chopped garlic to the pan.
Immediately pour the lemon marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Calories |
519 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.4 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.8 g | 39% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 176 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 2507 mg | 109% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.2 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.0 g | ||
| Protein | 32.9 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 82 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 582 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.